What is it?
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart. Many different diseases and conditions affect the ECG pattern. Small, sticky electrode patches are placed on chest, wrists, and ankles. These patches are connected to a machine that records the electrical activity of heart. The recording is printed on paper for doctor to interpret.
Why is it Done?
The ECG is used to record heart rhythms. It can diagnose abnormal heartbeats and rhythms. It can show also thickening of the heart muscle due to high blood pressure or other diseases. It is particularly helpful for diagnosing an acute heart attack and shows the effects of old heart attacks as well.
When is it Done?
The ECG is a simple, inexpensive, easily performed test that gives a lot of information to doctor about the way heart is working. In critical care units, the ECG is recorded continuously and displayed on a monitor so that the medical team can quickly spot any change in heart function.
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart. Many different diseases and conditions affect the ECG pattern. Small, sticky electrode patches are placed on chest, wrists, and ankles. These patches are connected to a machine that records the electrical activity of heart. The recording is printed on paper for doctor to interpret.
Why is it Done?
The ECG is used to record heart rhythms. It can diagnose abnormal heartbeats and rhythms. It can show also thickening of the heart muscle due to high blood pressure or other diseases. It is particularly helpful for diagnosing an acute heart attack and shows the effects of old heart attacks as well.
When is it Done?
The ECG is a simple, inexpensive, easily performed test that gives a lot of information to doctor about the way heart is working. In critical care units, the ECG is recorded continuously and displayed on a monitor so that the medical team can quickly spot any change in heart function.